Introduction

Property taxes are collected by the County although they are governed by California State Law. The Treasurer-Tax Collector of Ventura County collects taxes on behalf of the following entities: the County, most of the County’s 10 incorporated cities, 20 school districts, and all other taxing agencies located in the County, including special districts (e.g., flood control districts and sanitation districts). Upon collection of these taxes by the County, appropriate distribution is made to the various taxing agencies.

To determine the amount of your taxes the County Assessor must first assess the value of your property. Generally, the assessed value is the cash or market value at the time of purchase. Proposition 13 states that increases in the assessed value are limited to no more than 2% per year until the property is sold, or any new construction is completed, at which time it must be reassessed. However, if your property assessment was lowered under a decline in value appraisal or Calamity Review, the restoration of your value may exceed 2% annually. For more information on how the assessed value is determined, contact the Assessor’s Office at (805) 654-2181 or visit the Assessor’s Office website.

After the Assessor has determined the property value, the Auditor-Controller applies the appropriate tax rates, which include the general tax levy; voter approved special taxes, and any city or district direct assessments. The general tax levy is determined in accordance with State Law and is limited to $1 per $100 assessed value of your property. Information regarding tax rates can be found at the Auditor-Controller’s Office Property Tax Reports page. If you have the five-digit TRA (Tax Rate Area) off your tax statement you may use the Tax Rate Database. Neither the County Board of Supervisors nor the Tax Collector determines the amount of taxes.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector mails the annual Secured tax bills each year on or before November 1. If you do not receive your annual Secured tax bill by November 10, you can visit our WebTax Inquiry System to get your annual Secured billing information on-line, including a copy of your property tax bill. You will need to provide the property address or the Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN).

For more information, please contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office at (805) 654-3744.